Patients with atrial fibrillation have an average of five additional medical conditions, finds research

A novel software tool set to improve the management of elderly atrial fibrillation patients with multiple conditions is being designed by the EHRA-PATHS consortium.

Professor Hein Heidbuchel said, "EHRA-PATHS is developing a standardized approach to ensure that patients with atrial fibrillation receive evidenced-based therapies for the comorbidities that underlie or complicate their heart rhythm disorder."

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. Patients with atrial fibrillation have an average of five co-existing conditions including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, obesity and chronic kidney disease. These comorbidities have a negative impact on survival. In addition, three-quarters of atrial fibrillation patients take at least five medications.

EHRA-PATHS is a multicenter international project focused on integrated care for patients with atrial fibrillation and at least one additional chronic condition. The multidisciplinary program is being coordinated by the ESC and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA).

Results of patient interviews, presented for the first time at EHRA 2023, highlighted the need for integrated care and interprofessional working to optimize the health of patients with multimorbid atrial fibrillation. The in-depth interviews included 30 atrial fibrillation patients with two or more additional conditions from Belgium, Greece, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands. The average age was 73 years and 37% were women. The most common comorbidity was high blood pressure, followed by high cholesterol, obesity, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Interviewees stressed the need for better communication between primary care and hospitals. Some had multiple appointments at different locations and were frustrated with the unintegrated care. While respondents had some knowledge about the relationship between comorbidities and atrial fibrillation and were motivated to make adjustments, they lacked formal education on how to implement and maintain lifestyle changes.

The important quote:

“Patients with atrial fibrillation have an average of five co-existing conditions including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, obesity and chronic kidney disease. These comorbidities have a negative impact on survival. In addition, three-quarters of atrial fibrillation patients take at least five medications.”

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2 posted on 04/18/2023 9:33:01 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)

Can Atrial fibrillation be detected by placing a mirror over one’s heart?

3 posted on 04/19/2023 3:33:02 AM PDT by Does so ( 🇺🇦...................."Who is Ray Epps?" should be overstamped on every piece of currency.)

4 posted on 04/19/2023 5:23:26 AM PDT by telescope115 (My feet are on the ground, and my head is in the stars. A Man, and proud of it!)

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